Teenagers learn horsemanship in Debao county, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. HUO YAN/CHINA DAILY
The strong Debao pony, rediscovered at the dawn of China's era of reform and opening-up, is helping lead an equestrian resurgence
A sturdy Chinese breed of pony rediscovered 35 years ago is helping lead the growing popularity of horsemanship in the country.
The Debao pony from South China was "newly found" in 1981, according to a 2004 research paper from the Institute of Animal Sciences of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences.
At the time, the pony, a descendant of an ancient breed, was in danger of being lost again to history. "Protection of this breed from extinction is imperative," the scientists wrote at the time.
But breeding of the Debao pony and the growth of equestrian sports centered on the breed have helped change the outlook. Debao county, which gave the animal its name, now is home to one of the largest pony breeding and research centers in China.
The county is located in Baise, the westernmost prefecture-level city of Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. Debao is relatively small for China, with a population of 350,000 in an area of 2.6 square kilometers, but its namesake pony is spreading its fame.
The China Debao Pony Breeding Center was opened in 2009, and in 2012 it formed ties with local education authorities and the Debao County Technical and Vocational School to encourage equestrian skills among teenagers. For some, those skills are turning into a vocation.
Lu Cuiting, 16, a student at the school, says she started taking horsemanship classes at school a year and a half ago out of curiosity. But now, she is considering it as a job option and has the support of her family.
"Riding on a pony is quite different from riding on the big horses, as riding ponies is not that comfortable," Lu says. "However, I prefer riding the pony, for not only do they look so cute, but they are easier to control as well."